Record number of schools participate in International Walk to School Day

Wednesday

Oct 9, 2013 at 5:30 PM

A record number of Spartanburg County schools participated in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday.

By LEE G. HEALYlee.healy@shj.com

A record number of Spartanburg County schools participated in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday.Students at 51 public and private schools from across the county walked to or at school, and many made the day into a community celebration.Students and communities from more than 40 countries and all 50 states participate in the annual International Walk to School Day, which promotes health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.“We want all schools to focus on healthy lifestyles, and Walk to School Day is one way to accomplish that,” said Laura Ringo, executive director of Partners for Active Living.Schools in Spartanburg districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 were part of Wednesday's event. Other participants included Meeting Street Academy, Montessori Academy of Spartanburg, Oakbrook Preparatory School, St. Paul United Methodist Preschool, Spartanburg Preparatory School and Spartanburg Day School. Schools invited parents and community leaders to walk with students, and many planned celebratory events.Community partners for Walk to School Day include the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control Upstate Region, Partners for Active Living, Safe Kids of Spartanburg and Chartwells School Dining Services.Inman Intermediate School fifth-grader Devin Davis enjoyed participating in Walk to School Day activities and said it's important for students to stay active.“If you don't walk that much, how are you going to ride your bike or play soccer or play football?” Devin said.For the first time, every school in District 1 signed on for Walk to School Day. The district initiated a new wellness initiative, and several schools in the Inman area took part in ribbon cutting ceremonies for new walking trails.“We're excited that everyone is all-in in our district,” said District 1 Superintendent Ron Garner, shortly before students and community members made an inaugural walk along the new Inman Trail, which connects to the track on the Mabry Middle School campus and extends to Inman Mills. Students and other participants walked to the Mabry location after a ribbon cutting at Chapman High School for new sidewalks, funded by the Mary Black Foundation and Safe Routes to Schools, from the high school along Compton Bridge Road into Inman.

The Inman Trail was a joint project with Inman Mills, District 1, the Town of Inman and grant partners, including the Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg Regional Foundation and Safe Routes to Schools, among others. Along with upgrades and additions to sidewalks throughout Inman, leaders at Wednesday's ceremony said pedestrians now have access to a new 2.2 mile loop.“This is for the community, and we hope you will take advantage of it,” said Kathy Dunleavy, president and CEO of the Mary Black Foundation during the ribbon cutting.Wednesday was also an opportunity to officially open a new grant-funded walking track at Campobello-Gramling School.“The children who live within walking distance of our schools can bike, walk and feel safe,” said Cathy McMillan, coordinator of personnel, ADEPT and public information for District 1 of the trail, track and sidewalk improvements. “We believe that our facilities are for the community, and we believe people should be using them.”

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